“Why, of course, but do have your meal first.”
“No—no I can’t wait. I must go at once.”
Masters had had a shock. He had received Alan’s letter from Sydney, and the meaning of the telegram was clear. Alan and Desmond were safe and had arrived in England. He must wire them at once, and give them Sir John’s address. He scarcely knew how to break the news to him, and it worried him as he went into the little village.
“Have you wired your friend?” asked Sir John when he got back.
“Yes.”
“Do you want to see him—if so you had better take a short holiday after the trial.”
“Thank you all the same, Sir John, but I’ve wired them to come to Arroch Head.”
“The devil you have!” roared Sir John. “I suppose the next thing will be that you want them to come over here and see the Argenta.”
“I was going to suggest it to you,” answered Masters imperturbably.
“Have you taken leave of your senses? Show my work—the child of my brain to strangers? Never!”